Braque de l'Ariege
BRAK duh lah-ree-EZH
France· Ariege, Pyrenees foothills, southern France
The Braque de l'Ariege is a tall, lean French pointing breed developed in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal, weekly wipe-down
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large with secure boundary
Where it comes from
Origins of the Braque de l'Ariege
The steep, rocky foothills of the Ariege in the Pyrenees demanded a tall, rangy pointer with great stamina and a calm, deliberate approach to covering difficult ground for partridge and hare.
- Region
- Ariege, Pyrenees foothills, southern France
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm, hilly Pyrenean foothill country
- Original job
- Pointing game over rugged Pyrenean foothill terrain
The long read
About the breed
Its work over steep, rugged terrain produced a dog with great endurance, a calm and methodical hunting style, and a strong natural point, developed partly through crosses with Spanish Pointer stock.
It is a placid, affectionate dog at home, generally undemanding in temperament but needing substantial daily exercise to remain content given its working background.
The breed remains rare even in France, kept mostly by dedicated hunters and preservation breeders, and is virtually unknown outside its homeland.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Braque de l'Ariege greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Braque de l'Ariege is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Braque de l'Ariege's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1700s-1800s
Spanish Pointer influence
Local pointing dogs in the Ariege were crossed with Spanish Pointer stock brought over the Pyrenees.
1900s
Regional type recognised
The breed was recognised as a distinct regional type within French sporting circles.
1930
Standard drafted
A formal standard was written describing the tall, lean Ariege type.
1963
FCI recognition
The Braque de l'Ariege received official FCI recognition.
1990s
Conservation focus
French breed clubs have worked to preserve the small remaining population.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Long-legged, deep-chested, with a strong, level back.
- coat
- Short, fine and close-lying.
- ears
- Set at eye level, fine and slightly folded.
- eyes
- Large, dark amber to hazel.
- head
- Long and lean, with a slight stop.
- size
- Dogs 64-72cm, bitches 60-68cm
- colour
- White with brown or orange patches, sometimes roan.
- temperament
- Calm, affectionate and steady, tireless when working.
- general appearance
- A tall, rangy pointing dog, elegant yet robust, built for endurance over rough terrain.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Braque de l'Arieges added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Braque de l'Ariege
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Braque de l'Ariege illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Braque de l'Ariege Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Braque de l'Ariege illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Braque de l'Ariege Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Braque de l'Ariege illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Braque de l'Ariege Mug
Ceramic mug with the Braque de l'Ariege illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
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